Max Feng
Student Leader, Athlete, Emerging Scholar
To me, the world is filled with colors. Japan is pink, my birthplace, with cherry blossoms everywhere, my gentle hometown. Shanghai is red; I lived there for eight years, experiencing the city's warmth and rapid economic growth. The United States is blue, like the ocean, embracing diversity and freedom. It is where I grew from a teenager to a young adult, and I am immensely proud of this.
I ponder on how I have received so many colors from this vibrant world, and how I can contribute my own painting to it. Thus, I created a personal growth website where I share my life, my growth experiences, and my contributions to society.
I had the opportunity to encounter giant pandas in the green bamboo forests of Sichuan, China, and endangered sea turtles on the golden coast of Costa Rica. These extraordinary experiences led me to establish the Bamboo Club Foundation, connecting my life closely with animals, the environment, and disadvantaged groups.
As Albert Einstein said, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” I hope to be an interesting person and great color user to contribute to society through my efforts.
Max Feng
Swimming
2/2024-6/2025 La Jolla Country Day School Captain of Varsity Swimming and Drive
2/2022-6/2025 Best Swimmer of Varsity Swimming and Drive
8/2023-11/2025 Varsity Water polo Captain,
2-5//2024 Swim Mix Relay placed 7th, individually backstroke place 5th for CIF San Diego 2024
2-5/2023 Swim free relay placed 8th, individually back stroke placed 11th for CIF San Diego 2023
2-5/2022 2 new swim relay record (3rd and 2nd at CIF San Diego 2022) for La Jolly Country Day School
Age 8-14 Junior Olympic Swim Times
Age 8-10: 100 Butterfly, 100y Freestyle, 100y Backstroke, 100y Breaststroke, 50y Butterfly, 50y Freestyle, 50y Backstroke, 50y Breaststroke, 100y IM, 200y IM
Age 11-12: 100y Freestyle, 100y Backstroke, 100y Butterfly, 200y IM
Age 13-14: 100y Backstroke, 50y Freestyle, 100y Freestyle, 50y long course
Water Polo
8/2023-11/2025 La Jolla Country Day Varsity Water polo Captain, Led team first time ever LJCDS Water Polo to San Diego CIF Championship in 11/2023
8/2021-11/2025 play for La Jolla County Day School Varsity Water Polo. Organized Pink Water Polo games supporting Susan G.Komondor.
11/2022 Varsity Water Polo Best Player
11/2021 Varsity Water Polo Most Improved Player
Bamboo Club Co-Founder
Cofounded Bamboo Club and devoted myself into animal protection and mental health.
Thought of Mental Health Project
We selected art pieces from high school students in the San Diego area and compiled them into a publication titled “Thought of Mental Health.” This booklet is intended for reference by students in school districts, providing insights into the younger generation’s views on this matter.
Water Polo Team member
Being a water polo team member in La Jolla Country Day School and being a first team joining California State Water Polo Competition.
Food and Blanket Drive Program for Homeless in San Diego
Food drive and blanket donation to homeless in San diego from midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2021-2024 Tri-M Music Honors Society Certificate (for four years)
2021 Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
2023 Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from UPenn and Schoolyard Ventures
Community Projects
Teachers and Friends Say
NICO KINTZ
As Max's swimming coach since the first grade, I have witnessed his growth and progress over the past nine years. Not only has he achieved outstanding results in the Junior Olympics across various age groups, but he has also shown great dedication to the team and his fellow swimmers. In addition to focusing on his own training, Max has assisted the coaches in mentoring new team members, helping them quickly adapt to the team. What stands out the most is his deep understanding of sports safety for young athletes and his ability to effectively communicate that knowledge to his teammates, ensuring their safety during training and competitions. His sense of responsibility and leadership has made him highly respected within the team, and he has made significant contributions to its success.
Joan Diener
Max, the thought of you leaving next year fills my heart with a sense of sadness. Thank you for being with us over the past four years, and for bringing such energy and life to our Orchestra Team. Each school performance and every community outreach event has left beautiful memories in both your life and mine. I’m truly grateful for the joy and dedication you’ve brought to our ensemble. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
Samuel Kullens
Max, I truly appreciate your active participation and willingness to share your insights in class. One moment that left a lasting impression on me was when we discussed the topic of *The Three-Body Problem*, and you shared your parents' personal experiences during the difficult times of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Equally memorable was your analysis after we watched the award-winning Indian film *RRR*, where you pointed out that "it depicts the modern phenomena that have helped undo the Gandhian-Nehruvian vision of a secular India, through the rise of Hindu Nationalism and identity-based politics."
Nexus Ikeda
I vividly remember the scene in 2018 when we founded the Bamboo Club together. Back then, we were just three young boys, simply driven by the desire to protect endangered animals. Over time, as both circumstances and our understanding evolved, our mission expanded to include protecting various vulnerable communities. Now, as all three of us have grown into adulthood, this foundation, which has grown alongside us, will continue to accompany us as we move toward a bright future.
Achievements, Honors, and Awards
Community Service
2021-2024 Outstanding leader of Tri-M Music Honor Society by NAfME National Association for Music Education for each year
2023 Orange County Commissioner Donald P. Wagner’s Recognition of Mental Health Improvement Efforts
2022 East West Bank’s $1,000 prize recognizing Bamboo Club Foundation’s contribution to mental health
2021 San Diego City Councilmember Chris Cate’s Recognition of Animal Protection Efforts
Academic Awards
2024 National Econ Challenge, California State Finalist, Adam Smith Division
2023 Individual placement for National Economics Challenge and National Personal Finance Challenge, California State Finalist
2021 Sigma Math Competition, 2nd Prize
Athletic Awards
2/2024-6/2025 Varsity Swimming Captain
2/2022-6/2025 Varsity Swimming and Drive
8/2023-11/2025 Varsity Water polo Captain, Led team first time ever LJCDS Water Polo to San Diego CIF Championship in 11/2023
8/2021-11/2025 Varsity Water Polo
2-5/2024 Swim Mix Relay placed 7th, individually backstroke place 5th for CIF San Diego 2024
2-5/2023 Swim free relay placed 8th, individually back stroke placed 11th for CIF San Diego 2023
2-5/2022 2 new swim relay record (3rd and 2nd at CIF San Diego 2022) for La Jolly Country Day School
11/2022 Varsity Water Polo Best Player
11/2021 Varsity Water Polo Most Improved Player
Age 8-14 Junior Olympic Swim Times
Age 8-10: 100 Butterfly, 100y Freestyle, 100y Backstroke, 100y Breaststroke, 50y Butterfly, 50y Freestyle, 50y Backstroke, 50y Breaststroke, 100y IM, 200y IM
Age 11-12: 100y Freestyle, 100y Backstroke, 100y Butterfly, 200y IM
Age 13-14: 100y Backstroke, 50y Freestyle, 100y Freestyle, 50y long course